BROADCASTERS’ UPDATES/continued from page i-28 lars funnel through other outlets. Despite that challenge in the smaller markets, KMZU has retained its ded- ication to rural programming. As we leap into 2009, KMZU will continue to deliver up to the minute farm markets and news to our listen- ers. We’ll also continue with our annual farmer appreciation dinners, planting/harvest reports, and trekking across the country to cover events like the National FFA Convention, Commodity Classic and the National Cattlemen’s Convention. Our state and local coverage will continue to be another unique feature and we’ll generate new ideas to serve our area. One new idea we’ll incorporate this year is a KMZU contest that will reach out to the young farm genera- tion by getting area FFAchapters involved in communicating their chapter activities. With all of this excitement tossed into the bag of goodies we call farm radio, we’ll shoot to make Missouri farm country the most informed, entertained bunch of farm leaders you could imagine. Why so much time on agriculture, “because we’re in it for the right reason!” LYNN KETELSEN Linder Farm Network Owatonna, MN lynn@linderradio.com Ketelsen (L) interviews American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. One of the best things about being a farm broadcaster is interacting with our audience. At the Linder Farm Network we have made that a prior- ity in many ways. This fall we’re featuring “Linder Harvest Reports” from the field. We partner with clients to hand deliver lunches to farmers as they take a break from the combine, and visit with them on the air. We just wrapped up our major outdoor ag show, Farmfest. This is a huge event for us as we host a daily “Ag Jamboree” in front of hundreds of attendees. It is a major event at the show and combines information, humor, a live band and guest farm broadcasters including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. We are in the process of planning our “Marketing and Management Seminar” series of meetings across Minnesota. From what we have been told, this may be the largest annual series of its kind, drawing over 1,600 farmers to five locations across the state of Minnesota. They are daylong meetings with market experts, mete- orologists and other speakers. All tied together with our live radio show from each location. Added to all of this are live coun- try plot tour broadcasts, field day reports and major event coverage. Busy? You bet, and that makes it fun! Our goal is to be everywhere that agricultural news is happening in our state and to broadcast live from those events. Signing autographs on Linder Farm Network farm caps, shaking the hands of our listeners and putting them live on our net- work is an important part of what we do. The Linder Farm Network has been on the air for 33 years. For me personally, that’s over 4,000 ag meet- ings and events! And you know what? There are a lot more to come. GARY COOPER Southeast AgNet Radio Network Ocala, FL gary@southeastagnet.com Years ago a fellow farm broadcaster told me, “Being in this business is like painting a moving car.” While it may be an old saying, but it was my first time hearing it. I’ve grown to appreciate those words as technological advances continue to shift some “farm broadcast” entities toward more of a mixed media approach. (more on page 32) i-30 AgriMarketing ¦ October 2008